Kyrgyzstan Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia state; 198,500 km², 6.3 million residents (2019).The country borders the north to Kazakhstan, to the east and southeast to China, to the west to Uzbekistan and to the south to Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan became an independent state in 1991. The capital is Bishkek (1 million residents, 2019).

Country facts

Kyrgyz Republic / Kyrgyz Republic
Country abbreviation: KG
Area: 198 500 km²
Population (2019): 6.3 million residents
Capital: Bishkek
Main languages: Kyrgyz, Russian
State: Republic
Head of State: Sooronbay Jeenbekov (President)
Head of Government: Muchammedkalyj Abylgaziev
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1,281
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 1,220
Currency unit: 1 som = 100 tyiyns
Currency code: KGS
Country Dialing (Telephony): 996
Internet domain name: kg
Time difference compared to Sweden: +4
National Day: August 31 (Independence Day, 1991)

Nature

Land use: forest (4%), agricultural land (7%), other (89%)
Highest mountain: Pik Pobedy (7,439 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 32 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2%; birthrate 25 ‰, death count 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (33%), 15-64 (62%), 65- (5%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 67 years, women 75 years
Infant mortality (2019): 15 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 8 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.672 (place 122 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 34%
Most populous cities (2019): Bishkek (1 million residents), Osh (270,500)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (15%), industry (31%), service (54%)
Exports (2017): US $ 1 840 million
Main export products: cotton, wool, gold
Main exporting countries: Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan
Imports (2017): US $ 4 187 million
Main import products: oil and gas, machinery, chemicals
Main importing countries: China, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan
Railway network (2018): 420 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, surrounded by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east. It is one of the smaller countries in the region, covering an area of about 199,951 square kilometers (77,181 square miles). Despite its relatively small size, Kyrgyzstan’s location makes it a key player in Central Asia, with historical and strategic importance.

The country’s mountainous landscape is a defining feature, and the Tian Shan mountain range stretches across much of its territory. The rugged mountains not only shape Kyrgyzstan’s geography but also its way of life. These natural borders contribute to the country’s isolation, making transportation and communication challenging, particularly in the more remote, mountainous areas.

Physical Features

Kyrgyzstan is a predominantly mountainous country, with about 80% of its land area covered by mountains, making it one of the most mountainous countries in the world. The Tian Shan mountain range dominates the landscape, running from the northeast to the southwest and creating dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and high-altitude plateaus. The highest peak in Kyrgyzstan, and the entire Tian Shan range, is Jengish Chokusu, which rises to 7,439 meters (24,406 feet) above sea level.

In addition to the Tian Shan mountains, the Pamir and Alay ranges form the southern border with Tajikistan. These mountains are steep and difficult to navigate, contributing to Kyrgyzstan’s historically isolated communities. However, these rugged terrains also host rich ecosystems, including alpine meadows, glaciers, and diverse plant and animal life.

Kyrgyzstan is home to many lakes, with Lake Issyk-Kul being the most famous and the second-largest saline lake in the world, after the Caspian Sea. The lake is a key geographical feature, with its unique ecology, recreational importance, and historical significance. Other significant lakes include Song-Kol, a high-altitude lake in the Tian Shan, and Sary-Chelek, a biosphere reserve known for its pristine waters and biodiversity.

Climate

Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. Because much of the country is at a high elevation, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between seasons, especially in the mountainous regions. In the lowland areas, the climate is more temperate, with hot summers and relatively mild winters, while the mountainous areas experience cold winters with heavy snowfall and cooler summers.

In the capital, Bishkek, which is situated at the foot of the Ala-Too Mountains, the climate is continental, with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing and summer temperatures reaching as high as 30°C (86°F). In contrast, the high-altitude areas of the Tian Shan mountains experience much colder temperatures, especially during the winter months when snow is common.

The country is subject to various climate-related challenges, including droughts in the lowlands, and the dependence on irrigation for agriculture is high. Climate change is exacerbating these issues, leading to unpredictable weather patterns, which affect agriculture, water resources, and overall livelihood.

Natural Resources

Kyrgyzstan is endowed with various natural resources, including water, minerals, and agricultural land. Its rugged mountains are rich in mineral resources, particularly gold, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy. Kyrgyzstan has significant reserves of gold, copper, coal, and other minerals, and gold mining, in particular, is an important sector for the country’s export economy.

Water resources are another key asset for Kyrgyzstan. The country is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and glaciers, providing abundant freshwater for agriculture and hydropower. Kyrgyzstan has developed hydropower potential in some of its rivers, and hydropower accounts for a significant portion of the country’s electricity production. The country’s location within the larger Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins makes it a crucial player in regional water politics.

Agriculture also plays an important role in Kyrgyzstan’s economy, with the fertile valleys and basins supporting the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, potatoes, and tobacco. Livestock farming, particularly sheep, cattle, and horses, is also prevalent in the country’s rural regions, providing both economic and cultural value.

People

Population and Ethnic Composition

Kyrgyzstan has a population of approximately 6.5 million people. The population is ethnically diverse, with the majority of the population being ethnic Kyrgyz, who make up around 70% of the total population. The Kyrgyz are a Turkic ethnic group with a strong nomadic heritage, and their culture, language, and identity are closely tied to their historical way of life in the mountains and steppes.

Other significant ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan include Uzbeks (about 14% of the population), Russians (about 10%), and smaller communities of Tajiks, Ukrainians, Kazakhs, and Dungans. The diversity of the population is reflective of Kyrgyzstan’s historical position at the crossroads of various empires and trade routes, and the ethnic makeup is further influenced by migration and Soviet-era policies.

The Kyrgyz people have a rich cultural heritage, with traditions shaped by centuries of nomadic life in the mountains. The country’s diverse population contributes to the cultural mosaic that defines Kyrgyzstan, with multiple languages, traditions, and customs coexisting within its borders.

Language

The official languages of Kyrgyzstan are Kyrgyz and Russian. Kyrgyz, a Turkic language, is the state language and is spoken by the majority of the population, particularly in rural areas. It is a key part of the country’s cultural identity and reflects the country’s nomadic heritage. The language is written in the Cyrillic script, and the government has made efforts to promote its use in education, media, and official communication.

Russian, although no longer an official language after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, is widely spoken and remains the lingua franca of communication between different ethnic groups, especially in urban areas like Bishkek. Russian is often used in government, business, and education, and many Kyrgyz citizens are bilingual, with fluency in both Kyrgyz and Russian.

In addition to Kyrgyz and Russian, Uzbek is also spoken by a significant portion of the population, particularly in the southern regions. Smaller communities speak other languages, such as Ukrainian, Tajik, and Dungan, reflecting the multicultural composition of the country.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Kyrgyzstan, with around 90% of the population identifying as Muslim, mostly adhering to the Sunni branch of Islam. Islam was introduced to the region during the early centuries of the Islamic expansion, and it has played a central role in shaping the cultural and social life of the Kyrgyz people. However, religious practice in Kyrgyzstan is often less formal than in other Muslim-majority countries, with many Kyrgyz people observing Islamic traditions while blending them with local customs and practices.

There is a significant minority of Russian Orthodox Christians in Kyrgyzstan, particularly among the Russian-speaking population, who make up about 10% of the total population. The country also has small communities of Jews, Catholics, and Protestants, though these groups are less numerous.

Religion in Kyrgyzstan is often seen as an important part of personal and cultural identity, though the country maintains a secular constitution. Religious tolerance is generally practiced, with people of different faiths coexisting peacefully. However, the influence of Islam is growing, particularly in rural areas, as Islamic organizations play an increasing role in education and community life.

Social Structure

Kyrgyzstan’s social structure is influenced by its nomadic past and Soviet heritage. Family is at the core of social life, and extended families often live together or in close proximity, especially in rural areas. In these communities, the elderly are highly respected, and familial bonds are emphasized.

The structure of society in urban areas is more fluid, with younger generations increasingly pursuing education and employment opportunities outside the traditional family system. The Soviet era had a lasting impact on the country’s social fabric, particularly in terms of urbanization, industrialization, and state-run institutions, but after independence, Kyrgyzstan has seen a resurgence of traditional values, especially in rural areas.

Gender roles in Kyrgyzstan are influenced by both traditional customs and modern values. While Kyrgyz society has historically been patriarchal, women have played a central role in the household and community. In urban centers, women have greater access to education and employment opportunities, although rural areas may still hold more traditional views about gender roles.

Economy

Key Industries

Kyrgyzstan’s economy is a mixed one, with significant reliance on agriculture, mining, energy, and services. The country is one of the most resource-rich nations in Central Asia, with vast mineral resources, particularly gold, which is central to the country’s export economy. The Kumtor gold mine is one of the largest in the region and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings.

Agriculture plays a central role in Kyrgyzstan’s economy, employing a large portion of the population. The fertile lands in the foothills and river valleys are used for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, potatoes, and cotton. Livestock farming, particularly the raising of sheep and cattle, is also an important part of rural life, with the country producing wool, meat, and dairy products.

Kyrgyzstan has made efforts to diversify its economy, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and tourism. The service sector is growing, particularly in urban areas, where banking, telecommunications, and retail are becoming increasingly important.

Agriculture and Livestock

Agriculture is one of the most vital sectors of Kyrgyzstan’s economy. The country’s fertile valleys and river basins allow for the cultivation of a wide range of crops. Wheat, barley, potatoes, and fruits such as apples, apricots, and grapes are important crops grown throughout the country. The agricultural sector also includes livestock farming, with sheep, cattle, and horses being raised for their meat, milk, wool, and leather.

The country faces several challenges in the agricultural sector, including reliance on traditional farming techniques, limited access to modern irrigation systems, and climate variability. These challenges, combined with the increasing impacts of climate change, such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, make it difficult for Kyrgyzstan to achieve food security and agricultural sustainability.

The government has undertaken efforts to modernize the agricultural sector, including improving irrigation infrastructure, introducing better farming technologies, and expanding access to markets for smallholder farmers. Despite these efforts, agriculture remains vulnerable to economic shocks and environmental changes.

Economic Challenges

Kyrgyzstan faces several significant economic challenges. The country is highly dependent on mining, particularly gold extraction, and has limited economic diversification. The reliance on a single resource for much of the country’s GDP makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices, particularly in the gold market.

Corruption remains a major issue in Kyrgyzstan, affecting both public and private sectors. The lack of effective governance and regulatory oversight contributes to inefficiencies in economic development, the slow pace of infrastructure improvements, and the difficulty in attracting foreign investment.

Another challenge is Kyrgyzstan’s dependence on remittances from its diaspora, particularly in Russia. These remittances make up a significant portion of the country’s income, but they also create economic dependency, with many Kyrgyz people working abroad to support their families.

Government

Political System

Kyrgyzstan is a parliamentary republic, where the President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country’s political system is based on a multi-party system, and the legislature, the Jogorku Kenesh (Supreme Council), is unicameral, consisting of 120 members elected for a five-year term.

The president holds significant executive powers, including the authority to appoint the prime minister and other key officials. The president is elected by the people for a six-year term, but the political system has undergone several changes since Kyrgyzstan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has experienced political instability, with multiple revolutions and changes of government.

Kyrgyzstan’s political environment has been marked by tension between political factions, corruption, and struggles over the balance of power. The country’s political system is often described as unstable, with power often shifting between the president, the prime minister, and parliament.

Legal System

Kyrgyzstan’s legal system is based on civil law, influenced by the Soviet legal system. The judiciary is independent, though challenges such as corruption, lack of resources, and political interference have hindered its effectiveness. The legal system includes a range of courts, with the Constitutional Court being the highest authority in matters related to the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

The country’s legal framework has evolved since independence, but significant reforms are still needed, particularly in the areas of human rights, corruption, and the protection of property rights. Despite the challenges, Kyrgyzstan has made strides in improving its legal institutions, particularly in strengthening the rule of law and modernizing commercial law to foster a better business environment.

Foreign Policy

Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy is shaped by its position in Central Asia and its relationships with neighboring countries. The country has strong ties with Russia, which has played a significant role in its economy, security, and diplomacy. Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), which provides it with political and economic support.

At the same time, Kyrgyzstan seeks to maintain balanced relationships with China, which has become an increasingly important economic partner, especially in trade and infrastructure development. The country has also worked to maintain good relations with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, as regional cooperation is essential for addressing common issues such as security, trade, and water management.

Kyrgyzstan has also engaged with Western countries and international organizations, including the United States and the United Nations, to promote development and stability in Central Asia. However, the country’s foreign policy remains heavily influenced by its dependence on neighboring powers, particularly Russia and China.